A mother is typically the primary caregiver of a child under the legal system. A mother is also the primary caregiver of any other children whose parents are divorced or who are not biologically related to the child. Mothers are often the primary caregiver of their own children, even if they do not have biological ties to them or live with their children. Moms are also very involved in their children’s lives outside of the home and can often be seen as the most nurturing and sympathetic figure in a family.
After childbirth, however, mothers need time and space to heal and recover from their loss. Many mothers go through postpartum depression and do not know how to recover after childbirth and the sudden loss of their newborn. Other mothers may be too emotionally scarred from the death of their baby to open up again to friends and relatives.
How does a new mother heal from the loss of her newborn? The best way is to talk with her personal doctor. A doctor will be able to identify the symptoms of postpartum depression and help relieve the mother from her post-birth blues. If a mother has had previous bouts with postpartum depression, she should not open up to anyone at risk until she is feeling better. It is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to a mother’s health. Maternal bond plays an important part in a mother’s recovery after childbirth, and any break in that bond can mean difficulty in regaining her mental and physical health when the mother returns to work.
Maternal Health: Every five years, researchers monitor infant mortality rates throughout the developed world. One of the factors that they study closely is how the infant mortality rate for a country changes during different periods in history. If a country is particularly dangerous during times of war, it is likely that mothers there have been more likely to give birth to infants who die in battle. For example, during World War II, infant mortality reached its highest level in the world. However, after the war, the mortality rate began to decrease, which led researchers to conclude that post-war trauma had largely healed the nation’s wounds.
Childbearing and motherhood have long been considered taboo in much of the world. However, research into the social circumstances around childbearing and motherhood has led to the conclusion that these perceptions may no longer hold true. In many developed countries, childlessness is not associated with social turmoil, and in some cases, it is seen as a positive choice. For example, in many western countries, childless couples are more likely to stay home with their children than married couples who do have children.
Adoption and Maternity: Research has shown that adopting a young child from another country is often the best solution for unwed mothers who desire to have a child of their own. When a mother lives in poverty and cannot afford to have a child, adoption is an option. Likewise, mothers who wish to remain mothers but are unable to conceive will benefit from adoption. In both cases, having a biological mother in the family is not always necessary. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”